Henry Hughes Iii

Henry Walter Hughes, III, passed away peacefully at the age of 78, on the morning of February 5, 2018.

Henry Hughes was born Oct. 1, 1939 in Brenham, to Henry Waters and Maude Bess Hughes. He was christened and confirmed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and graduated from Brenham High School in 1958. He obtained his Associates Degree from Blinn Jr College. He met his wife, Nancy Wright Freeman, on the Salt Grass Trail Ride; on January 26, 1961 they were married, and they had three beautiful children.

Henry was a rancher, and owned Farm-Ranch Supply, Co. Prior to being a merchant, he worked for Tenneco, as a Pipeline Manager.

Henry was active in his community. In his youth he participated in the Washington Co. Fair, and later became one of the founding leaders of the Washington Co. 4-H Horse Club. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, and the Brenham Gun and Rod Club. Henry was a founder of the Washington Co. Youth Rodeo Assoc., and he sponsored and coached the Washington Co. Youth Horse Relay Team. He was a member of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assoc., a past Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Paint Horse Committee, and was a Lifetime Member of the show. Henry was a Lifetime Member of the American Paint Horse Assoc., and served as a national Director, as well as a card-carrying judge for the APHA and AQHA.

Henry was a genuine Antique Cowboy, he was known as a “cow-catcher” and was often called upon by the Sheriff’s Department, and others in the area. He loved animals and children, and was known as Uncle Hee-Haw, by his nephews. Henry liked to joke around. He enjoyed telling stories about his experiences, and was often found with a group around. It made him proud to see his children and grandchildren participate in the agricultural life that meant so much to him. He participated in roping, cutting, and horse show events. He was also an avid hunter, enjoyed Westerns and classic country music. Henry was the kind of man that would be there, if ever a friend was in need.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law: Judith Carolyn “Judy” and Randy Kapchinski of Brenham, and Susannah and Edd Compton of Houston; daughter-in-law Kerry Kominczak Hughes; grandchildren: Whitney Ann and Zach Wagner, Henry Wade Hughes, Heather Marie Kapchinski, and Virginia Dawn Kapchinski; one great-grandchild, Sydney Claire Wagner; brother and sister-in-law Herbert and Patricia Hughes of Brenham; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jody and Alan Richards of Horseshoe Bay, TX. Other surviving relatives include: Bess Burch, Herbert Scott Hughes, Kelley and Dana Hughes, O’Brien and Lori Hughes, Mike and Renee Leifeste, Jim and Chelyne Leifeste, Lacey and Tanner Stevenson; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Freeman Hughes, his son Henry Wright “Bubba” Hughes, his parents Henry Waters and Maude Bess Hughes, his parents-in-law N.W. “Dick” and Norma Freeman, a grandchild Rachel Rene’ Hughes, and nephew, Patrick Spann Greenwood.

Serving as pallbearers are Bob Burch, John Brown, Alan Dreyer, Jack Fisher, Mike Hollar, Jess McGinley, Bennet and Travis Sachtleben. Honorary pallbearers are Scott Hughes, Kelley Hughes, O’Brien Hughes, Mike Leifeste, Jim Leifeste, Mike Pillow, Pee Wee Bowen, Howard Wayne Williamson and Julie Hollar Carr.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2018 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Drive, Brenham, TX with Father Ken Fields officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery, there will be a celebration of life afterwards. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, the 7th, at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Memorials may be directed to the American Paint Horse Foundation at apha.com and P.O. Box 961023 Ft.Worth, TX 76161, or the RhizoKids International c/o Tracey Thomas 50 Cross Creek Ln. Alpine, AL 35014.

Funeral arrangements for Henry Walter Hughes, III are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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